Will President Ruto’s Inclusive Government Fulfill Its Promises? Is Kenya Progressing on the Right Path?
As Kenya navigates a complex socio-political landscape, President William Ruto’s broad based government faces both opportunities and challenges in steering the nation toward progress. The administration’s initiatives, public reception, and political dynamics offer a complicated view of the country’s trajectory.
1:The Promise of Inclusive Governance
President Ruto’s administration has embarked on a path of inclusive governance, aiming to bridge political divides and foster national unity. This approach was exemplified by the political pact between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila Odinga. The agreement, signed in March 2025, was intended to facilitate collaboration on critical government policies without forming a new political alliance. While proponents view this as a step toward cooperative governance, critics express concerns over the potential erosion of effective opposition and accountability.
2:Economic Reforms and Development Initiatives
The Ruto administration has launched several economic reforms and development projects aimed at revitalizing the economy and improving citizens’ livelihoods. Key initiatives include:
Affordable Housing Programme: Aiming to construct one million affordable housing units by 2027, the program has already created approximately 160,000 jobs, contributing to employment and housing accessibility.
Hustler Fund: Designed to enhance financial inclusion, the fund has disbursed over KSh 54.5 billion to approximately 18 million Kenyans, providing affordable credit to individuals and small enterprises.
Infrastructure Development: Investments include the construction of 6,000 km of new roads, upgrading existing road networks, and expanding the national grid to connect more Kenyans to electricity.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Authority, the government aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all citizens, with over 1.2 million Kenyans already registered.
3:Public Discontent and Youth Activism
Despite these initiatives, the government has faced significant public discontent, particularly among the youth. In 2024, the proposed Finance Bill, which included tax increases, sparked widespread protests under the #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement. The demonstrations culminated in the storming of Parliament, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. President Ruto subsequently vetoed the bill, highlighting the administration’s responsiveness to public pressure.
Further tensions arose with reports of abductions and torture of young activists for their online expressions, leading to increased scrutiny of the government’s commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.
4:Political Stability and Security Concerns
The political landscape has been marred by incidents that raise concerns about stability and security. The assassination of opposition MP Charles Were in a targeted shooting underscores the volatility within the political sphere. While the government has condemned the act and initiated investigations, such events highlight the need for enhanced security measures and political tolerance.
5:Fiscal Discipline and International Relations
In efforts to address fiscal challenges, the government plans to cap the fiscal deficit at 4.5% of GDP for the fiscal year 2025/26, down from 5.1% the previous year. This move aims to improve fiscal discipline and reallocate resources for essential public services. However, the halting of a $3.6 billion support program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and subsequent liquidity concerns have prompted the government to seek a new support package.
Conclusion: Navigating the Path Forward
President Ruto’s broad-based government has undertaken significant initiatives aimed at economic revitalization, inclusive governance, and social development. While these efforts demonstrate a commitment to progress, challenges persist in the form of public discontent, political tensions, and fiscal constraints.
The administration’s ability to address these issues transparently and effectively will be crucial in determining whether Kenya is on the right path toward sustainable development and national cohesion. Engaging with citizens, upholding democratic principles, and fostering accountability will be key components in building public trust and achieving the nation’s aspirations.
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